Getting into an accelerated program

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Hi all,

I'm a senior at Colorado State University (graduating Fall, 2016 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies: Pre-Health Promotion), and I plan to start applying to accelerated nursing programs after graduation. I'm getting nervous, however, because of how competitive I have heard programs in my area are. I will graduate with a 3.4 GPA, but a 3.6/3.7 prerequisite GPA. My cumulative GPA is low only because I did not put in effort my first two years, however the last three semesters I have gotten over 3.9 GPA's. I have also worked as a CNA in a nursing home for about a year now, and I volunteer weekly at a hospital.

I am worried I will not be a competitive candidate because of my low cumulative GPA.

Would my volunteer and work experience make up for that? Does anyone have advice on how I can make myself a more competitive candidate for an accelerated BSN-RN program?

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

3.4 cumulative GPA is good. Most accelerated BSN programs have minimum of 3.0. They want to make sure you have shown a pattern of being able to manage college. When I did my accelerated BSN it was 21 hours a semester.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I got in to an ABSN with a 3.4 Cum GPA for my undergrad, pre-req 3.8 GPA. So I would say your grades are still competitive. Most of the ABSN programs really look at the whole package that you bring. Life experiences and being able to articulate why you want to become a nurse can count for quite a bit.

Really get to know the programs you want to apply to, and be able to articulate how your experiences and who you are make you a good fit for the specific program you are applying for.

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Specializes in Primary Care.
I got in to an ABSN with a 3.4 Cum GPA for my undergrad, pre-req 3.8 GPA. So I would say your grades are still competitive. Most of the ABSN programs really look at the whole package that you bring. Life experiences and being able to articulate why you want to become a nurse can count for quite a bit.

Really get to know the programs you want to apply to, and be able to articulate how your experiences and who you are make you a good fit for the specific program you are applying for.

I agree. I was accepted into an accelerated BSN program with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 in my Bio degree. I'm certain my strong admission essay and faculty interview is what helped to set me apart from the others. It's not just about GPA!

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm also in Colorado and from what I've heard the market out here is very competitive. I was told by an advisor that last year UNC's lowest GPA in their program was 3.89, but there are quite a few accelerated programs in Colorado so I have looked into others which seem a little more reasonable. Like others have said just really know which programs you're strongly looking at and again there are quite a few around here you may want to definitely look into! Good luck!

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